Dr. Powell helps Dr. Calder to see the illusions we
base our lives on and that come between us and God. This movie also
contrasts our society's understanding of authority with Jesus' authority
as demonstrated in Mark 1. (submitted by Shirley R. Frazier)

"Memphis's
1300 sanitation workers formed the lowest caste of a deeply racist
society, earning so little they qualified for welfare. In the film,
retired workers recall the fear as they took on the entire white power
structure when they struck for higher wages and union recognition...At
the River I Stand succeeds in showing that the causes (and possibly
the solutions) to our present racial quandary may well be found in what
happened in Memphis. Its riveting portrait of the grit and determination
of ordinary people will inspire viewers to rededicate themselves to
racial and economic justice." (California Newsreel Official
Site)

Eric must choose between his loyalty to
God and to country. He must choose which is the higher authority - the
prince/Olympic chairperson or God. He chooses not to run on Sunday,
proclaiming his faith in a powerful way. (Jesus before Pilate?)

The Sheriff has visible authority granted
to him by his office. Mr. Tibbs ( Sidney Portier) has to earn the authority
he rightly claims as a man with a badge - the authority is denied him by
virtue of his color. He has to prove his integrity to be respected by
the townspeople. This reminds us that we can imbue bigots (the Sheriff)
with authority they don't deserve ( read the Pharisees and scribes) and
yet deny to those who deserve it but are different ( Jesus??) (submitted
by Marie Loewen)